Four Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets were charged by a freshman whom they allegedly maltreated inside the military learning institution, an official confirmed Monday, July 7.

PMA spokesperson Lieutenant Jesse Saludo said the victim, a fourth class male cadet, was repeatedly punched, humiliated in public, and subjected to intense physical training that led to his collapse.

The accused were the cadet’s squadmates which included two fellow fourth class, a second class (third year), and a first class (fourth year).

According to Saludo, the squadmates were irked by the poor performance of the cadet inside the PMA which had been dragging the whole squad down.

“The injuries were caused by their classmates venting out their frustration on their squadmate because they believe the performance of their classmate is affecting their squad,” he said.

The PMA said the alleged maltreatment occurred from Sept. 2 to 29, 2024 inside the cadets’ barracks.

Based on the complaint of the victim, he would often collapse due to extreme exhaustion from excessive training given to him by his squadmates.

The alleged abuse reached its peak when the victim was admitted to V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City after receiving a heavy punch from one of his squadmates on Sept. 29, 2024.

He was eventually transferred to the PMA Station Hospital in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City and was discharged only last June 30 after receiving medical and psychological treatment.

The victim filed a complaint against his squadmates before the Baguio City Police, saying that they were acting on a violent and senseless whim.

However, Saludo clarified that the incident could not be considered as hazing.

“The incident does not fall under the legal definition of hazing as stated in the Anti-Hazing Act which requires acts of violence or abuse to be committed as part of the admission process in the organization,” he explained.

Nonetheless, the victim’s squadmates were already given “appropriate” disciplinary actions depending on the degree of their participation.

These included the maximum punishment of 60 demerits, 210 touring hours, and 210 confinement days to the cadet’s squad leader and one-year suspension to two other squadmates for inflicting physical injuries to the cadet.

The fourth cadet was cleared of any offense by the PMA.

“The PMA has a strict zero-tolerance on maltreatment and hazing and such acts have no place in our institution,” Saludo assured the public.

Saludo said the PMA also respects the decision of the victim to file charges against his squadmates before a civilian court.